Mummies!The Unravelled Secret

The Kunsthal programme for autumn 2011 includes the exhibition ‘Mummies! The Secret Unravelled'. In a stunningly designed exhibition, over 225 objects provide insight into the fascinating burial rituals of ancient Egypt.

Highlights are the mummy of Anchhor from Thebes and his authentic coffins, which are still completely intact. The exhibition includes countless rare objects such as the magic scarabs, amulets, jewels and statues that were placed inside the coffins. Some of the secrets of the mummies will also be revealed thanks to the use of new technological developments. There is also a comprehensive educational programme for children and students in the MummieLAB.

The remarkable rituals of ancient Egypt

Nowhere does death such an important role as in the lives of the ancient Egyptians. The exhibition tells the story of the ritual of mummification, which began in approximately 2600 BC as a way of preserving the body for as long as possible for its journey to the kingdom of the god Osiris. Beautiful objects illustrate how this process of mummification took place, and remarkable burial traditions such as the mummification of animals are also explained.

MummieLAB

The ancient Egyptian civilisation and its elaborate burial rituals have always made a strong impression on new generations and continue to do so to this day. Together with Rotterdam's Erasmus Medical Centre, and using x-rays, MRI scans and facial reconstruction techniques, the exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the technical examination of mummies. In the MummieLAB, young visitors can mummify soft toys and have their photographs taken on a sarcophagus. A special smartboard programme is being developed for use by schools.